Oxford Literary Festival

20 - 28 Mar 2010 (annual)

Oxford becomes even more intellectual when the annual Literary Festival takes place. Over 350 writers descend on the beautiful Christ Church College for a week of talks, debates and discussions. Topics are satisfyingly varied - expect some very distinguished guests.

Oxford Jazz Festival

1 - 4 Apr 2010 (annual)

Some of Oxford's most historic venues, including the Ashmolean Museum and the Bodleian Library, host concerts at the annual Oxford Jazz Festival. A star-studded line-up performs over four days in beautiful surroundings.

Oxford Folk Festival

16 - 18 Apr 2010 (annual)

The annual Oxford Folk Festival takes over Oxford Town Hall and other venues for a host of performances, ceilidhs and workshops. First held in 2004, it is now a major spring event, reflecting the resurgent interest in all things folk.

Oxford May Music Festival

Apr - May 2010 (annual)

Taking place in the 18th-century Holywell Music Room and the Jaqueline du Pre building in Oxford's city centre, the town celebrates May Day with a special festival of concerts and lectures. The programme explores topics relating to literature, science and music.

After Michelangelo

16 Feb - 16 May 2010

Almost 500 years after his death Michelangelo Buonarroti remains a celebrity the world is on first-name-terms with. In recognition of his enduring contribution to art, Oxford's Christ Church Picture Gallery looks at the influence he held on the artists who followed him.

Spring Board Festival Day

May 2010 (annual)

Spring Board Festival Day gives classical music fans the chance to see up-and-coming stars perform before they break onto the world stage. A day of intimate recitals is followed by an evening concert with mentors pianist Melvyn Tan and violinist Levon Chilingirian.

Oxford Lieder Festival

Oct 2010 (annual)

From humble beginnings in 2002, the Oxford Lieder Festival has established itself as the leading celebration of song in the UK. Concerts, masterclasses, talks and workshops are held in Oxford University's Jacqueline du Pré Music Building and Holywell Music Room.

Oxford Round Table Firework Display

Nov 2010 (annual)

Enjoy a full half-hour firework display at Oxford's Round Table charity event in South Park. Spectators huddle round the bonfire to "oooh!" and "aaah!" at the spectacle, with a funfair after the display and plenty of refreshments.

Midnight Mass in New College Chapel

Dec 2010 (annual)

New College has one of the most beautiful chapels in Oxford and one of the finest choir schools. The college has no Christmas services after the end of the university term in early December, so one of the few chances the public has to hear Christmas carols in the college is during this service at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve.

Pitt Rivers Museum

Daily

The Pitt Rivers Museum is the ethnographic museum of Oxford University, a treasure trove of man's creations from all over the world. Discover artefacts from a witch in a bottle to Hawaiian feather cloaks and a Kalabari household shrine.

Bodleian Library

Daily

Oxford's eminence as one of England's most beautiful cities and an outstanding academic centre is encapsulated in the sprawling Bodleian Library. The complex of historical buildings contains one of the most comprehensive collections of literature in Europe.

University of Oxford Botanic Garden

Daily

The University of Oxford's Botanic Garden is a national reference collection of 7000 different types of plant. Tucked besides Magdalene College, there is even more biological diversity here than there is in tropical rainforests.

Pitt Rivers Museum

Daily

The Pitt Rivers Museum is the ethnographic museum of Oxford University, a treasure trove of man's creations from all over the world. Discover artefacts from a witch in a bottle to Hawaiian feather cloaks and a Kalabari household shrine.

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

Daily; not Mon

Reopened in November 2009 following renovation, Oxford's Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is one of the oldest in the world. It houses art and antiquities from the civilisations of the ancient world to the present day.

Covered Market

Daily

Dating back to the Middle Ages, when goldsmiths plied their trade here, Oxford's atmospheric Covered Market is a souk-like shopping experience with lots of little shops to browse through. Local specialities include Oxford blue cheese and marmalade.

Oxford Castle Unlocked

Daily

Built in 1071 for William the Conqueror, Oxford Castle was once a royal residence, a centre for justice and then a prison, up until 1996. The castle's dark history of violence, executions and escapes is now revealed to visitors.

Westgate Shopping Centre

Daily

The Westgate, as locals call it, is Oxford's best shopping mall, with plenty of fashion brands, homeware and speciality shops. There is something for everyone here, from the latest computer games and mobile phone accessories to quality teas and party dresses.

The Living Room

Daily

Lounge on brown leather banquettes at Oxford Castle's sleekest drinking haunt. The Living Room attracts a sophisticated, fashionable crowd who sip expertly-mixed cocktails and bottled lagers. Check out the terrace on warm summer evenings.

Freud Cafe

Daily

Housed in a renovated church complete with stained-glass windows, the popular Freud Cafe bar frequently has live music and is popular with students. The menu features light snacks and a wide selection of pizzas.

Blackwell's

Daily

As the biggest and best bookshop in one of the world's great academic cities, Blackwell's is a sight bibliophiles cannot miss. Discover books examining every academic pursuit imaginable, as well as children's books and secondhand bargains.

Oxford University

Daily

As the oldest English-speaking university in the world, Oxford lays claim to eight centuries of continuous existence. It houses many treasures - in building and park form - and any visit to the town should include at least one of its gems.

The O2 Academy, Oxford

Daily

Previously Oxford institution The Zodiac, the O2 Academy may have changed its name and spruced itself up, but its reputation as Oxford's premier contemporary music venue remains. Expect to see established British stars here as well as up-and-coming local talent.

Museum of Oxford

Daily; not Mon

Housed in the Town Hall, the Museum of Oxford tells the story of the city and the university from prehistoric times to the present day.

No monthly events available.

St Giles Fair

Sep 2010 (annual)

St Giles' Church and street fill with craft stalls and entertainment, celebrating the wealth of tradition and antiquity inherent in the city of Oxford. The annual fair and flower festival has celebrated St Giles' Day in this manner for centuries.

Spring Board Festival Day

May 2010 (annual)

Spring Board Festival Day gives classical music fans the chance to see up-and-coming stars perform before they break onto the world stage. A day of intimate recitals is followed by an evening concert with mentors pianist Melvyn Tan and violinist Levon Chilingirian.

Oxfringe

24 Mar - 11 Apr 2010 (annual)

Oxfringe, which runs alongside the famous Oxford Literary Festival, features around 150 events including literary talks, concerts, theatre shows and exhibitions. The festival takes place at venues across the city including the Old Library and the Oxford Playhouse.

Oxford to Cambridge Bike Ride

Sep 2010 (annual)

The Oxford to Cambridge Bike Ride in aid of the British Heart Foundation links England's two most famous university cities. Starting in Oxford, the 89-mile route heads through Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, into the Cambridgeshire fenlands and ending in Cambridge.

Oxford Round Table Firework Display

Nov 2010 (annual)

Enjoy a full half-hour firework display at Oxford's Round Table charity event in South Park. Spectators huddle round the bonfire to "oooh!" and "aaah!" at the spectacle, with a funfair after the display and plenty of refreshments.

Oxford Pride

Jun 2010 (annual)

Against the backdrop of the city's famous dreaming spires, Oxford Pride brings together lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual communities for a day of entertainment at Oxpens Meadow. The 2009 theme is 1969: Flower Power and the year of Stonewall Rebellion.

Oxford May Music Festival

Apr - May 2010 (annual)

Taking place in the 18th-century Holywell Music Room and the Jaqueline du Pre building in Oxford's city centre, the town celebrates May Day with a special festival of concerts and lectures. The programme explores topics relating to literature, science and music.

Oxford May Day

May 2010 (annual)

Centuries-old traditions are upheld for Oxford May Day by the population of this student town. Spectators gather in their thousands to hear the choir of Magdalen College sing in the new May dawn from the top of their chapel tower.

Oxford Literary Festival

20 - 28 Mar 2010 (annual)

Oxford becomes even more intellectual when the annual Literary Festival takes place. Over 350 writers descend on the beautiful Christ Church College for a week of talks, debates and discussions. Topics are satisfyingly varied - expect some very distinguished guests.

Oxford Lieder Festival

Oct 2010 (annual)

From humble beginnings in 2002, the Oxford Lieder Festival has established itself as the leading celebration of song in the UK. Concerts, masterclasses, talks and workshops are held in Oxford University's Jacqueline du Pré Music Building and Holywell Music Room.

Oxford Jazz Festival

1 - 4 Apr 2010 (annual)

Some of Oxford's most historic venues, including the Ashmolean Museum and the Bodleian Library, host concerts at the annual Oxford Jazz Festival. A star-studded line-up performs over four days in beautiful surroundings.

Oxford Folk Festival

16 - 18 Apr 2010 (annual)

The annual Oxford Folk Festival takes over Oxford Town Hall and other venues for a host of performances, ceilidhs and workshops. First held in 2004, it is now a major spring event, reflecting the resurgent interest in all things folk.

Oxford City Royal Regatta

Aug 2010 (annual)

The popular historic Oxford City Royal Regatta is held along a beautiful stretch of the Isis (River Thames). It takes place over two days, with a 1000-metre course on the Saturday and a 500-metre sprint the following day.

Oxford Chamber Music Festival

Sep - Oct 2010 (annual)

The Oxford Chamber Music Festival was established by violinist Priya Mitchell. The idea is to gather together international musicians for three days of intensive rehearsals followed by four days of concerts in various venues around town.

Midnight Mass in New College Chapel

Dec 2010 (annual)

New College has one of the most beautiful chapels in Oxford and one of the finest choir schools. The college has no Christmas services after the end of the university term in early December, so one of the few chances the public has to hear Christmas carols in the college is during this service at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve.

Eights Week

May 2010 (annual)

Eights Week is the biggest event in the year for keen rowers at all the 30+ colleges of Oxford University. Each is set against the others in a "bumps" racing competition to find the best college rowing team.

Beating the Bounds

May 2010 (annual)

0nce a year on Ascension Day, members of St Michael's congregation process through Oxford marking out the parish boundary in a traditional ceremony known as "the Beating of the Bounds."

No biennial events available.